NFL roundup: Romo, Rodgers await clearance

The Dallas Cowboys and Green Bay Packers are preparing for Sunday showdowns with playoff berths on the line, and both teams remain uncertain if their starting quarterback will be ready for action.

Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said Tuesday that quarterback Tony Romo would play Sunday night in the regular-season finale against the Philadelphia Eagles if he is cleared medically. Jones said the team would be confident in the decision considering Romo played through his back ailment in last Sunday's victory over the Washington Redskins.

Meanwhile, Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers said Tuesday the decision about his playing status this week would come Thursday. Rodgers missed the past seven games after breaking his collarbone Nov. 4.

Jones said of Romo, "The most important thing is if he feels better as the week goes along, there is nothing structurally to prevent him from playing. He might be cleared to play."

Coach Jason Garrett insisted Romo's status was not yet determined despite reports that an MRI exam revealed a herniated disk that would require Romo to undergo another back surgery.

Romo was given an epidural injection for the injury. He had a cyst removed from his back and was out for most of the offseason, but the two issues appear unrelated, Garrett said.

If Romo is unavailable, backup quarterback Kyle Orton would start the de facto NFC East championship game against the Eagles.

The Packers are preparing for the de facto NFC North championship game against the Chicago Bears.

"We have done a scan, and we are going through the process of evaluation," Rodgers said during his Tuesday radio show on Milwaukee's WAUK-AM 540. "Again, probably not what everybody wants to hear. But I can say definitively there will be Thursday, one way or another, there will be a definitive conclusion to this week's unknown."

--Jason Garrett is apparently not coaching for his job Sunday when the Cowboys host the Eagles for a spot in the playoffs.

Garrett, owner Jerry Jones said on his weekly radio show, is the right man for the job.

"His future is bright through my eyes with the Dallas Cowboys," Jones said on 105.3 FM.

Peters suffered the season-ending injury on Monday night against the San Francisco 49ers. Smith said Peters would undergo surgery and faces a six- to eight-month recovery process. It was a non-contact injury.

--The Indianapolis Colts placed defensive tackle Montori Hughes on injured reserve and signed linebacker Alan Baxter to the practice squad, the team announced.

--The Washington Redskins placed linebacker Nick Barnett on injured reserve and promoted linebacker Will Compton to the active roster from their practice squad, the team announced.

--The Kansas City Chiefs signed running back Eric Kettani, wide receiver Jerrell Jackson and linebacker/defensive end Ridge Wilson to the their practice squad.